Magdalene Advocacy Group Ends Political Campaign

By Jason Kennedy
Irish Times
May 17, 2013

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/magdalene-advocacy-group-ends-political-campaign-1.1397240

Justice For Magdalenes PRO Claire McGettrick with Mary Lou McDonald in Glasnevin Cemetary during a special ceremony to remember the deceased victims of the Magdalene Laundries earlier this year. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons / The Irish Times

One of the main advocacy groups for survivors of the Magdalene laundries is ending its political campaign following the State apology earlier this year.

The group, Justice for Magdalenes, said its main goals were to see a State apology to laundry survivors and to ensure a compensation scheme was established. A statement issued by the group said responsibility to ensure justice is delivered now rests with Irish society, including Church, State, families and local communities.

“As a voluntary group, and having worked at maximum capacity over the past four years, JFM believes it has achieved all that it can by way of political advocacy,” it said. “In withdrawing from the political advocacy arena, JFM takes this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped the group accomplish its goals. Our campaign was truly a collaborative effort.”

The group has been preparing to end its campaign over recent months and has released a series of questions and concerns relating to the Magdalen fund they say remain unanswered. They have also published a self-help guide for survivors and another for family members.

The group also made a submission to the UN Committee Against Torture requesting they monitor the design and implementation of compensation, as well as asking them to make recommendations to the Government.

“While withdrawing from the political advocacy arena, JFM will continue to engage in issues of transitional justice, including a suitable national memorial, upkeep of Magdalene graves, educational and curricular initiatives and the completion of the Names Project.”